In a major step toward decarbonizing deep-sea shipping, China’s two leading state-owned shipping giants—COSCO Shipping Group and China Merchants Energy Shipping Co., Ltd. (CMES)—have launched construction of multiple large-scale methanol dual-fuel vessels across container, bulk, and PCTC segments.

24,000 TEU Methanol Dual-Fuel ULCS Starts Construction in Dalian

Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering (DACKS) held the steel-cutting ceremony for the first 24,000 TEU methanol dual-fuel ultra-large container ship (DE148) built for COSCO Shipping Lines on July 22. This vessel marks DACKS' entry into methanol-powered newbuilds, backed by intensive collaboration with COSCO's technical teams to overcome fuel tank, dual-fuel engine, and supply system integration challenges.

325,000 DWT Methanol Dual-Fuel VLOC Begins at COSCO Shipping Heavy Industry (Yangzhou)

Also on July 22, COSCO SHIPPING Bulk kicked off construction of a new-generation green 325,000 DWT methanol-fueled ore carrier. Co-developed with SDARI, the ship adopts methanol-ready tank design and meets EEDI Phase 3 standards through hull and propulsion optimization.

7,800-CEU Methanol PCTC Launched by CMES

China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES) began construction of the first of four 7,800-car methanol dual-fuel PCTCs at CMHI Haimen Shipyard on July 24. This project highlights the synergy within China Merchants Group and supports the green transformation of the car carrier sector. Equipped with Tier III-compliant engines and CCS cybersecure notations, the vessel represents the next generation of clean, smart ro-ro shipping.

These developments show that methanol is rapidly gaining momentum as a mainstream alternative marine fuel in China’s ocean-going fleet renewal.

by Xinde Marine News Pang Kai